Tributes paid to 'distinguished' Glasgow businessman Nick Kuenssberg after death at 80

Tributes have been paid to Scottish businessman Nick Kuenssberg OBE after his death at age 80.

Widely recognised as one of the leading figures in Scottish business, Kuenssberg was also deputy chair of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

His daughter Laura Kuenssberg is the former BBC political editor and host of the broadcaster’s flagship Sunday morning politics show.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Kuenssberg, who died following an illness on Sunday.

Bob Downes, chair of SEPA said: “It’s with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our former Deputy Chair, Nick Kuenssberg. Nick was a passionate advocate for Scotland’s environment, for sustainable and inclusive growth, they key elements of SEPA’s statutory purpose.

“His leadership across a range of programmes benefitted not only Scotland’s environment, but Scottish cities and communities. He will be fondly remembered, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Màiri McAllan, the cabinet secretary for transport, net zero and just transition, said: “Nick was a lovely man who I had pleasure of knowing.

“His passion for Glasgow and the arts was palpable & in summer he so graciously helped me with wedding music plans. He’ll be so missed & my heartfelt sympathies are with all Kuenssberg family.”

Social Investment Scotland said: “Everyone at SIS is saddened to learn that Nick Kuenssberg, former Chair and one of our Patrons, has passed away. Even beyond his time as Chair, Nick was an enthusiastic ambassador for social enterprise and social investment, amongst a diverse range of interests and passions.

“His tenure as Chair included a number of new initiatives and achievements, including the development and launch of @sis_ventures, very much aligned with his passions and what he referred to as ‘community-ism’.

“The thoughts of everyone at SIS – colleagues and board members past and present are with Nick’s family at this sad time.”

Kuenssberg was also a former chair of the board of governors at the Glasgow School of Art.

In a statement, the school said: “Nick was one of Scotland’s most distinguished and influential business leaders, international in outlook having worked in Europe and South America, but wholly committed to Glasgow and to the city’s creative and cultural organisations, being Chair both of The Glasgow School of Art and then the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and was an authoritative voice in championing the creative and cultural sectors.

“Nick led an ambitious and committed GSA Board. He was rigorous and more often than not challenging, but he was fundamentally passionate and supportive, wanting our students and staff to thrive and for the GSA to remain an independent, specialist higher education institution that was international, committed to Glasgow and Scotland and impactful across everything it did.

“He was awarded an honorary doctorate by The Glasgow School of Art and the University of Glasgow in 2011.

“He will be remembered fondly by the many of the GSA community who were fortunate enough to have met and worked with him and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”